SHOW GUIDE The Alternative Toy Fair Party Free drinks and networking on Wednesday January 23rd at the Hand & Flower, Olympia
THE ALTERNATIVE Toy Fair Party will return in January, exclusive sponsored by ToyNews, Progressive Preschool and Aardvark Swift Recruitment. The event made a successful debut earlier this year, offering an opportunity for Toy Fair exhibitors and visitors to unwind, network and enjoy a few drinks after the hustle and bustle of the show.
And it’s back for 2013, so stick a note in your diary now for Wednesday January 23rd. The Alternative Toy Fair Party will take place in the private function room at the Hand & Flower pub, just opposite Olympia. Tickets will be limited, but you can register your interest in attending by emailing Jen@aswift.com. Tickets will be allocated in the coming weeks (you’ll be notified in due course) and you’ll then be able to pick up your tickets – and free
Ian Goodall, managing
drinks vouchers – from the Aardvark Swift stand at Toy Fair. “We’re delighted to be co- hosting The Alternative Toy Fair Party again with Max Publishing and Aardvark Swift recruitment,” said ToyNewspublisher Lisa Carter. “The toy industry loves to get together network and enjoy a drink or two, which is why the Toy Industry Awards on the
first night of Toy Fair is always hugely popular. The Alternative Toy Fair Party gives the UK toy business another opportunity to socialize away from the show floor.” Max Publishing business
development manager, Rob Willis, offered: “After the success of last year's first ever Alternative Toy Fair Party, the team at Progressive Preschool
Magazineare looking forward to co-hosting this new approach to after- show socialising for the second year running. “We are pleased to be able to work with ToyNewsand Aardvark Swift to offer what people really want after a hard day's work – a few cold drinks in an informal setting with friends and colleagues.”
Toy Industry Awards 2012 The prestigious annual event will now take place in a dedicated area in Olympia
TO MARK the Toy Fair’s 60th anniversary, the 2012 Toy Industry Awards has received a brand new format and venue.
The annual gala event
will take place in a dedicated area of the new Upper West Hall at London Olympia. It will take place on Tuesday, January 22nd, at 6.30pm, allowing guests to move easily from the exhibition into the awards event in the evening. The format of the evening has been redesigned to incorporate a drinks reception with bowl food and canapés, followed by an ‘Oscars-style’ awards ceremony, which will
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celebrate the best of both toy retail and product for 2012.
It is organised by the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) in association with the Toy Retailers Association (TRA). The latter will also present its Toy Supplier Awards 2012 on the same night. Evening formalities are planned to finish no later than 9pm, with a cash bar open until late for those wishing to continue their celebrations. The event also has a reduced ticket price of £75 plus VAT. The awards have received amended categories (see ‘Retailer of the Year
director of Aardvark Swift Recruitment, added: “Aardvark Swift are delighted to be co-hosting this event again. The response last year from the industry was fantastic. After a hard day at the show, it was great to get a group of industry professionals together in a relaxed environment for a few drinks and a chat. This year's event will be bigger and better, but will still retain the laid back feel that we all want. Come and join us for a drink... or two.” Email Jen@aswift.com
to register your interest in attending.
RETAILER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Independent Toy Retailer of the Year Melton Toys Midco Toymaster Ramsdens Superstore
Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year Smyths Toys The Entertainer Toy Barnhaus
nominees’ for the shortlist). There will also be a Best Overall Toy Retailer of the Year 2012 for UK and Ireland, as well as a Special Recognition Award. Shortlisting was led by a selection of members of the BTHA Council, strategically
based toy agents and national account managers from around the UK, and some representatives from the toy trade magazines. For a Toy Industry Awards 2012 booking form call Matt Jones on 020 7701 7127 or email Matt@btha.co.uk.
General Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year Argos ASDA Bentalls (Fenwick Group)
Online Toy Retailer of the Year Shop Direct Smyths Toys The Entertainer